Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Teaser Tuesday

I found this on another blog that I follow. Seems like fun, so I'll give it a whirl.

Your mission should you choose to accept:
1) Grab the book you are currently reading.
2) Open said book to a random page.
3) Post two sentences from that page (no spoilers, please).
4) List the page number, title, and author of the book.

I accept.

"He thought about the picture in the road and he thought that he should have tried to keep her in their lives in some way but he didn't know how. He woke coughing and walked so as to not wake the child."

Page 54 of The Road by Cormac McCarthy

What's your teaser?

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Review: Lucifer's Hammer

First off, this book was amazing. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it. So, go read it!

Lucifer's Hammer goes through the survival of many people after a comet hits Earth. You even get a from space view of the impact! I will say that the first 75 pages or so are slow, but once you're past that it picks up and becomes quite the fun read. I know I'm not saying much about what happens, I just don't want to spoil it.


Stats:
Author - Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle
Year Published - 1977
Pages - 629
Genre - Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic

Happy reading!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Entertainment... From 3 Years Ago

My school does events on Friday nights called Dawgs After Dark. The program is meant to keep younglings away from downtown and give them something fun to do. Sometimes this includes video booths where you can be put in a video. I tend to work movie shifts when these things start. Well, the result of this is a video of three of my friends doing "A Whole New World" from Aladdin.

I present to you: "A Whole New World" performed by some silly UGA students. Enjoy!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Makeup Review: Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara

So, this is my first, and likely my last, makeup review. I'm just not that big into makeup (even though I have a drawer full). I'd say about 25 days of the month I go without makeup all day. But, I'll admit to being drawn in by the commercials for Maybelline's Lash Stilleto. It was the boots. I love a good pair of sexy boots. Look at those boots!


I'll admit another thing: I've never tried a lengthening or volumizing mascara. That goes back to the not that big into makeup thing. So, here goes with the review. First up, a picture of my eyes without any makeup.


And, then with mascara. I did one eye (just upper lashes) with the Lash Stiletto and the other with a drugstore brand plain mascara, both in black.


Maybelline Lash Stiletto ................................................... Drugstore Brand

Either I have really long lashes naturally or I'm blind. Because, honestly, I don't see a length difference between the two or my natural lashes. Even with no real length difference that I can see, I love this mascara. The packaging is eye-catching, mimicking a stiletto with shiny silver lettering. The brush is square with crossed, stiff bristles. This is what I love so much about this mascara. The brush does an amazing job of separating the lashes making them look fluffy and very close to a really good set of false lashes. The brush tapers, too, making it easy to get into the corners of the eyes without getting mascara anywhere other than the lashes. The formula goes on easy, covers with just one coat, and wears well.

So, the verdict is: if you want extra length, this one won't do it, but the application and lash separation is totally worth it.

Have you tried Lash Stiletto? What did you think about it?

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Plant of the Week: Plant Hardiness Zones

I know, I know. Plant hardiness zones aren't plants, but they're important! I promise. Knowing your plant hardiness zone will help you immensely in choosing what plants to grow. You see, plants grow better in some places than others. Take last week's plant, the purple passion plant, it grows well in Zones 9 - 12 which puts it in the very southern United States and the West coast. But, like I said last week it can be grown inside in, say, Zone 7b where I am and thrive.
















With just this little bit of knowledge you can be well on your way to growing a successful garden. So, hop on over to arborday.org and put in your zip code to find your Plant Hardiness Zone. Or, you can take a gander at the map here and get a good idea of your zone.

In general when you go to your local Lowe's, Home Depot, or nursery, they will only carry plants that are suited for your zone. If you happen to be buying seeds or even small plants online, knowing your zone will help you make sure that your precious new plant will survive.

Next week's plant: leave me a comment and I'll do one of your choice

Friday, February 5, 2010

This is the Kind of Wedding Update That Makes Me Squeal With Joy

We've decided to downsize the wedding! So, now it's going to be smaller, as well as more sweet & simple. Hallelujah (the Jeff Buckley version of course). This means less hassle with trying to plan a wedding when we're on opposite sides of the country, money saved that could be put away for better things, and fewer people to deal with (not that I don't like people, I just don't really like being the center of that much attention). I'll still wear my prettyful dress, and he'll still wear whatever spiffy thing he wants to wear. We'll still get hitched and have our closest family and friends there to celebrate with us. And, in the end, the result is the same. We'll be married and finally able to be together without being miles and miles apart.

To go along with the wedding talk I have going on here, we decided on our rings. He did pick the beveled edge ring that I was hoping he'd pick.


I on the other hand went in a different direction with mine. TitaniumKnights started making a new style and I fell in love. I want it wider then the one pictured, which they have no problem doing. Huzzah! Without further ado, here it is.


That's all I have wedding related for now. Now, I'm off to revise the lists of things to do.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Books, Books, Books, Gotta Love 'Em

I admit it. I am a huge book nerd. I love to devour a good book. In the little bit of time since 2010 started, I've read 6 books. I started book #7 about a week ago. Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle.

Lucifer's Hammer was first published in 1977. Oh yeah, it's an old one. It's categorized under post-apocalyptic science fiction and got a nod for the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1978.

A mix of an Earth devastating comet, Russian and American astronauts, and a battle for the future after the fall of civilization is what currently has me enthralled. The first few chapters were a little slow, but one I got through those it started turning into a whirlwind of events and exciting happenings.

This should be a good one, and I can't wait to get to the last page.

Have you read Lucifer's Hammer? What did you think of it? What are some of your post-apocalyptic or sci-fi novels? Leave a comment and let me know!

Follow the book cover to Amazon to check it out and get your own copy.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Since It Is Now February...

I'm going to do a Valentine's post. A post about why I hate Valentine's Day. It's not because I am a single gal. No, really I'm very happily engaged if you haven't noticed the wedding posts. It's not that I don't like flowers. You're talking to a Horticulture student here; I just so happen to adore flowers. And, don't get me wrong, I love me some chocolate. I just really hate Valentine's Day.

I get that it's supposed to be that one day that you are supposed to buy chocolates, and jewelry, and what-have-you for your significant other. Which really means the guy has to put on a show for his gal. What I don't get is why can't you do that any other day and have it mean much more than if you did it on this "Hallmark Holiday". Really, Valentine's Day is a made up holiday for the greeting card companies to make money by guilting you into spending loads of money on this one day or else you... *gasp* ...don't really care about your honey.

I say pish posh. I'd rather have flowers for no reason at all than flowers, candy, hideous stuffed teddy bears for a silly holiday that commands a performance. I'd rather give a gift out of love on any day than some silly notion that I need to spend tons of money on this one stupid day.

Screw you, Cupid!